Скачать или смотреть The Mussels of the Sydenham River

Let's chat about the Mussels of the Sydenham River!

**Important to note - all handling of mussels in this video is done under proper permits. It is illegal to collect Species at Risk Mussels in Ontario.

Located in southwestern Ontario, the Sydenham River, known as the Jongquakamik in Nishnaabemwin (Ojibwe), is a biological treasure. It is the only major watershed that lies completely in the Canadian Carolinian Life Zone, and it supports an incredible variety of life, also known as biodiversity. At least 80 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels are found in the Sydenham, making it one of the most species-rich watersheds in all of Canada. More than 20 species of fish, mussels, and reptiles that live in and around the Sydenham River are listed nationally or provincially as Species at Risk and include species of global conservation concern.

Ontario is home to 41 of the 55 freshwater mussel species native to Canada. Unfortunately, the populations of many of these species are in decline and are being lost from areas where they were once found. The Sydenham watershed is a refuge for mussels; it supports 34 mussel species and is the most mussel-diverse watershed in Canada.

Freshwater mussels live in the sediment of lakes and rivers. They are filter-feeders, meaning they use their siphons to take in water and strain out oxygen and food, including algae, bacteria, and zooplankton. These living filters offer a valuable ecosystem service by removing suspended particles and pollutants, which helps to clean the water. A single mussel can filter up to 40L of water a day and live to be up to 100 years old – that adds up to a lot of water!

Mussels also stabilize the riverbed and are a vital link in the food chain as they are a source of food for many animals, including fish, turtles, birds, and mammals.

The SCRCA is able to conduct monitoring within the Sydenham River thanks to the support through programs like the Habitat Stewardship Program.

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